Georgia § 51-1-1 - Tort defined.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-1 — Tort defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51-1-1. Tort defined.
A tort is the unlawful violation of a private legal right other than a mere breach of contract, express or implied. A tort may also be the violation of a public duty if, as a result of the violation, some special damage accrues to the individual. (Orig. Code 1863, § 2894; Code 1868, § 2900; Code 1873, § 2951; Code 1882, § 2951; Civil Code 1895, § 3807; Civil Code 1910, § 4403; Code 1933, § 105-101.) History of section. - The language of this section is derived in part from the decisions in Western Union Tel. Co. v. Taylor, 84 Ga. 408 , 11 S.E. 397 (1890); Louisville & N.R.R. v. Spinks, 104 Ga. 692 , 30 S.E. 968 (1898); and Wolff v. Southern Ry., 130 Ga. 251 , 60 S.E. 569 (1908). Law reviews. - For article advocating the exhaustion of every possible recovery before closing a tort claim, see 18 Ga. B. J. 301 (1956). For article, "Products Liability Law in Georgia: Is Change Coming?," see 10 Ga. St. B. J. 353 (1974). For article analyzing the trend in this country toward no-fault liability, see 25 Emory L. J. 163 (1976). For article discussing plaintiff conduct and the emerging doctrine of comparative causation of torts, see 29 Mercer L. Rev. 403 (1978). For article discussing the defenses to strict liability in tort, see 29 Mercer L. Rev. 447 (1978). For article examining the significance of distinguishing between tort and contract in Georgia, see 30 Mercer L. Rev. 303 (1978). For article, "Products Liability Law in Georgia Including Recent Developments," see 43 Mercer L. Rev. 27 (1991). For article, "Selected Federal Tort Reform and Restatement Proposals Through the Lenses of Corrective Justice and Efficiency," see 32 Ga. L. Rev. 1017 (1998). For annual survey of tort law, see 57 Mercer L. Rev. 363 (2005). For article, "Causation Actually," see 51 Ga. L. Rev. 1 (2016). For note discussing increased risk of cancer as an actionable injury, see 18 Ga. L. Rev. 563 (1984). For comment, "Medical Expert Systems and Publisher Liability: A Cross-Contextual Analysis," see 43 Emory L.J. 731 (1994).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 51-1-1
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-1 cover?
Section 51-1-1 ("Tort defined.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 51-1-1?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-1-1" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 51-1-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.